2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls and problems

The 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 4 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
29
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls

Recall 05V-452: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 5, 2005 · 801 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions. The breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes.

Risk: The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. The recall began on november 10, 2005. These vehicles are located on st. Thomas island (Virgin islands). Owners may contact suzuki del caribe at 787-622-0600.

Recall 04V-427: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 30, 2004 · 172,093 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, under ambient temperatures below -25 degrees celsius, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. As a result, fuel system pressure may increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.

Risk: Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. The recall began on september 29, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Recall 03V-512: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Dec 5, 2003 · 196,876 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed.

Risk: If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. In the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on january 5, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Recall 03V-223: Visibility

Reported Jun 16, 2003 · 5,319 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara xl-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara xl-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting." the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between the paint applied during the second-stage painting process and the paint applied during final-stage painting.

Risk: If the windshield is not properly secured, it may separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. Owner notification began on july 8, 2003. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control12
Electrical System8
Tires3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Structure2
Visibility2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1
Seat Belts1
Air Bags1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 9
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and Attachments — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 98,000 miles · reported Jul 7, 2011
This complaint is related to an existing recall on my 2003 suzuki grand vitara. While driving two days ago, the throttle cable became stuck and the vehicle would not stop accelerating. I was ultimately able to pull the vehicle off the road and turn it off. Afterward, I discovered an open recall for the throttle cable housing. However, the recall was issued before I purchased the vehicle new from the suzuki dealer in 2004. I purchased the vehicle on january 9, 2004, the recall was issued in december 2003. I understand that it is illegal for suzuki to have sold the vehicle with an open recall. I…
Electrical System · at 70,000 miles · reported Jul 23, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. The contact experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. He discovered that the battery cable was grounding out against the body of the vehicle, which caused the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle is unsafe due to the current recalls on the vehicle, although he has not experienced any of the failures noted in the recalls. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 64,000 miles · reported Jul 21, 2008
The contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. The vehicle is experiencing fuel loss in the ignition source. Whenever the contact attempts to turn the ignition, the vehicle will not start. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that fuel was not entering the ignition, causing a no-start condition. The manufacturer stated that the previous owner of the vehicle had it repaired under a recall for this same failure; therefore, they refused to repair it again. The contact feels that the vehicle was not properly repaired if the failure is recurring. The vehicle is currently parked at her…
Electrical System · at 48,400 miles · reported May 19, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated while driving under any conditions or speed, the brake lights fail due to a blown fuse. Afterwards when the vehicle is stopped, it us unable to be placed into the park position until the fuse has been replaced. The vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. It was determined the electrical system was the problem however it is unknown what repairs will correct the problem.
Air Bags · at 15,100 miles · reported Jul 8, 2005
Dt: consumer stated she was in an accident on 6-19-05. Someone hit her. The car turned upside down and landed on its top. The person who hit her was going approx. 70 MPH when she came across the lane of traffic and hit her. She was hit on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. She feels that because the car flipped over, the air bags should have deployed. She has not notified the manufacturer or the dealer. The car was totaled.

Other Suzuki Grand Vitara years

Compare all Suzuki Grand Vitara years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 05V-452 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-427 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-512 (vehicle speed control), 03V-223 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Suzuki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.